In 2011, Inholland University of Applied Sciences has been in the news frequently due to its future plans and a report by the Higher Education Inspectorate, in which five of our programmes were assessed. Inholland is working hard at developing an improvement programme in which quality and the interests of students will have pride of place.
The Executive Board guarantees the quality and quality assurance of the University's tuition.
The Higher Education Inspectorate has therefore expressed its confidence in the Executive Board's resolute approach and the employees' ability to realise the necessary changes. The most up-to-date information and press releases are published on this website and you have the opportunity to ask questions.
Reorganisation Inholland University of Applied Sciences
Inholland University of Applied Sciences will undergo a reorganisation to downsize and to provide better quality. Inholland University of Applied Sciences intends to reorganise and reposition itself. The Executive Board wishes to take steps towards quality improvement within the University. To achieve this, a reorganisation is necessary. In addition, owing to a sharp fall in student enrolment, the University will have considerably less funds at its disposal. Government austerity measures will also affect us. All these factors demand a considerable reduction in costs. In the coming period (until 1 January 2013), approximately 470 full-time positions will disappear.
Read more the reorganisation
Report Published by the Higher Education Inspectorate
What has the Higher Education Inspectorate assessed?
The Higher Education Inspectorate has assessed the quality of all alternative graduation programmes offered at universities of applied sciences and universities. Five programmes were assessed at Inholland University of Applied Sciences, while 10 programmes offered by other universities of applied sciences were also assessed. These programmes were assessed on the basis of the following questions:
- Do the programmes comply with legislation and internal rules and procedures?
- Do graduates attain the level required of bachelor's degrees awarded by universities of applied sciences?
- Are any shortcomings observed rectified promptly?
Does the Inspectorate report provide a representative picture of all of the programmes offered by Inholland University of Applied Sciences?
No, this report does not provide a representative picture of all of the programmes offered by Inholland University of Applied Sciences, nor was this the intention of the report. Only five programmes were inspected, four of which the Education Inspectorate assessed as 'very weak'.
Does the Inspectorate report relate solely to programmes for delayed-study students?
Wherever possible, the Inspectorate inspected pieces of work produced by all graduates that graduated via an alternative programme. A random sample of the work produced by standard graduates was inspected.
Where can I have a look at the Inspectorate report?
You can view the Inspectorate report on the 'In the press' page.
Four of the five programmes are referred to as very weak.
What does this say about the other programmes offered by Inholland University of Applied Sciences?
Inholland University of Applied Sciences very much welcomes the Inspectorate report and has been working on a number of improvement measures for some time now. It is good that these programmes have been inspected so thoroughly. With regard to our other programmes, it should be noted that it is Inholland's policy that programmes are phased out if they are unable to bear the scrutiny of criticism. This means that the programmes that remain in place are solid, comply with all of the various relevant requirements and deliver quality and well-educated, motivated and satisfied graduates to the employment market.
No substandard degree certificates issued any more: how does Inholland University of Applied Sciences intend to guarantee this?
It is important to observe that we have already taken measures to safeguard the graduation level of students graduating this year. The Executive Board guarantees that no student will leave Inholland University of Applied Sciences without a sound degree certificate again.
Eighty-six degree certificates that should not have been issued: what is Inholland University of Applied Sciences going to do about this? Will degree certificates be withdrawn?
Inholland University of Applied Sciences will wait to see which steps are taken by the State Secretary and the NVAO accreditation organisation. It is also in discussions with the ISO student union on how best to achieve a positive resolution to this situation for graduates with degree certificates which have not complied with the necessary guarantees. Inholland University of Applied Sciences will take action on the 86 degree certificates whatever the outcome, whether in the form of additional courses for these students or a different solution.
What is Inholland University of Applied Sciences going to do about this situation?
Inholland University of Applied Sciences has put tough measures in place to strengthen quality throughout its organisation. The Higher Education Inspectorate has confidence in the decisiveness of the current Executive Board, the deans of the faculties under which the programmes in question fall and the ability of Inholland University of Applied Sciences as a whole to achieve the improvements needed. Inholland University of Applied Sciences accepts the critical report that the Higher Education Inspectorate has produced on the five programmes inspected without reservation.
The substantial measures put in place by the Executive Board will ensure and guarantee that no student will leave Inholland without a sound degree certificate again. It must also be remembered that the Inspectorate report relates to the situation previously applicable for several programmes offered by Inholland University of Applied Sciences. Inholland University of Applied Sciences has been working hard to achieve rigorous improvements.
Why does Inholland University of Applied Sciences not just shut down these four programmes if the quality is so poor? Quality is what counts at Inholland University of Applied Sciences, is it not?
The four programmes inspected were assessed as very weak in terms of their graduation programmes and Inholland has placed them under strict supervision as a result. For the time being, we will give priority to ensuring that the students that graduate from these programmes leave with degree certificates that reflect the level expected of graduates from universities of applied sciences. We will safeguard the graduation level for students graduating this year by stringently and consistently applying criteria for admission to the graduation process and examinations. The Executive Board will now strictly supervise compliance with the exit level required in graduation papers for the programmes in question. Inholland University of Applied Sciences believes that quality will cease to be an issue within the foreseeable future.
In short, we will monitor the four weak programmes very closely and no student will leave Inholland with a substandard degree certificate again.
The Inspectorate recommends that the accreditation be withdrawn for the programmes in question. How does Inholland University of Applied Sciences feel about this?
The Minister will only be able to do this after he has obtained the advice of the NVAO, on the basis of which he will be in a position to make a decision. We are waiting to see what will happen but are confident of the outcome. The Inspectorate also observes that Inholland University of Applied Sciences has put tough measures in place to rectify shortcomings and improve quality. The Inspectorate has confidence in the decisiveness of the current Executive Board and in the deans and staff at the faculties under which the programmes in question fall. It also has confidence in their ability to ensure that the improvements required are actually achieved within the time limits envisaged.
State Secretary Halbe Zijlstra (Education) says that he is starting a procedure to bring about the withdrawal of accreditation for four programmes at Inholland University of Applied Sciences. What does he mean by this?
Inholland University of Applied Sciences is not surprised by this response, as the State Secretary is following the advice provided by the Inspectorate in its report. The State Secretary must now obtain the advice of the NVAO (Netherlands Flemish Accreditation Organisation), after which the NVAO will need to give careful consideration to the improvement plans put forward by Inholland University of Applied Sciences. We are very confident that the NVAO will support our improvement plans and arrive at a positive assessment that will not jeopardise our accreditation.
I have a degree certificate that was issued by Inholland University of Applied Sciences.
As an alumnus, how can I find out if I am part of the group that will need additional tuition?
The students in these groups have already been notified of this personally. If you have not heard anything, this means that there are no problems with your degree certificate.
Is there an interest group that is taking up an independent position in this situation and that will stand up for students?
Yes, the Landelijke Studenten Vakbond or the ISO (Interstedelijke StudentenOverleg). Inholland University of Applied Sciences has its own student union too: Sst in Diemen.
Is my degree certificate amongst the 86 which do not meet the standards of a university of applied sciences?
Inholland will inform all 86 of the alumni in question personally and will offer them additional courses. We expect this to take place within one month. Together with the student organisation, ISO, Inholland is developing a plan to resolve this matter properly so that these alumni also have a degree which meets the required standards.
What period did the assessment cover?
The assessment focused on the period from 2007 to 2010.
How does this affect Inholland's reputation amongst employers?
The responses which we continue to receive from employers are very favourable. Companies and organisations are happy with Inholland's work placement students and alumni. It appears that Inholland's students are offered permanent contracts more often after 18 months in employment and their salaries are also higher than graduates of programmes offered by other universities of applied sciences. Even in this period, employers are reporting that they are very satisfied with Inholland's students. The problem with regard to Inholland's reputation seems to be less of an issue amongst potential employers.
What is the situation with regard to the value of my child's degree?
A degree from Inholland meets the standards of universities of applied sciences. The Higher Education Inspectorate ascertained that 86 degree certificates had been issued which did not meet the standards of a university of applied sciences. These alumni will be offered an appropriate solution. For the rest, no degree certificates are issued anymore which do not meet these standards.
Is the MEM programme once again up to standard?
Considerable improvements have been made to the Media & Entertainment Management programme in Haarlem. The management has been replaced and the Executive Board is monitoring the quality of the programme on a day-to-day basis. In this regard, companies are also very happy with Inholland's students and the fact that no degree certificates whatsoever are issued which are inferior.
What is 'accreditation'?
Accreditation is actually a licence which entitles an institution to offer the respective programme. The accrediting organisation, NVAO, assesses each programme meticulously. Inholland has every confidence that the programmes offered will also be accredited in future.
When will we hear whether any of the programmes will lose their accreditation?
The State Secretary will request advice from NVAO. In addition, Inholland will be given three months to a year to rectify the situation. This process is already underway. There is therefore no likelihood that any of the programmes will lose their accreditation in the short term.
What are the consequences of a programme's losing its accreditation?
We assume that no accreditation will be withdrawn. Should this occur, needless to say a good solution will be found for students who are already registered. Under all circumstances they will be able to complete their programme and obtain a degree which meets the standards of a university of applied sciences.
What is the situation with regard to Inholland's other programmes?
The Inspectorate found that 4 of the more than 90 programmes which Inholland offers were 'very poor'. There are no issues in relation to the other programmes. This means that by far most of Inholland's programmes are rocksolid and meet the requirements. They offer quality and provide well-educated, motivated and satisfied students for the employment market.
In addition, the new Executive Board, led by Doekle Terpstra, has initiated a far-reaching improvement programme. This is supported by the Lower House of the Dutch Parliament, the State Secretary and the Higher Education Inspectorate. All the programmes are monitored on a day-to-day basis. No more substandard degree certificates will be awarded.
Why should I opt for Inholland?
Inholland offers an attractive package of programmes and Inholland's students are highly valued by employers. This is expressed, for instance, in permanent jobs and higher initial salaries than the graduates of programmes offered by other universities of applied sciences. As a result of all the commotion, the supervision of the quality of our tuition has been stepped up. In a certain sense, the standards set for Inholland's programmes are now even higher. All Inholland's employees, lecturers and the Executive Board are aware of this. In short (certainly now) you will receive a qualitatively good education.
Improvement Plans for Inholland
Which consequences would the phasing out of several programmes have for students enrolled for these programmes?
We will phase out several programmes. No programmes will be shut down immediately. All current students will simply be able to complete their particular programme. Inholland takes this duty of care very seriously. Although new students will not be able to enrol for these programmes with effect from academic year 2012-2013, current students will simply be able to complete their programmes at the sites where they first started them.
Which programmes will be shut down and at which sites?
Programmes that are the subject of inspection will be placed under increased supervision. Other programmes will be profiled strategically in collaboration with partners and several programmes will be phased out. The education site for the teacher training (primary education) programme in Hoofddorp will be closed eventually. The following programmes will be phased out:
- Community Work in The Hague
- Financial Services Management in Rotterdam and Diemen
- Human Resource Management in Alkmaar and The Hague
- Marketing Management in Diemen
- International Business & Languages in Alkmaar, Amsterdam and Rotterdam
- Business Informatics in Rotterdam and The Hague
- Public Administration & Public Sector Management in Rotterdam
- Computer Science in Delft
We will transfer or enter into partnerships in relation to the following programmes:
- Marine Engineering
- Agriculture
- Teacher Training (Secondary Education)
Which consequences will this have for Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Hoofddorp?
The reason for phasing out Hoofddorp is that too few students are enrolling per academic year to be able to guarantee the continuity that is so important for good education in applied sciences. Added to this, Inholland University of Applied Sciences wishes to profile itself as an institution that offers students large-scale learning venues and a wide range of different programmes. "Because of this, we feel that it is better for future students to do their programmes at one of the other sites that Inholland University of Applied sciences has to offer," explains board member Kees Rutten.
"The current teacher training (primary education) programmes are characterised by their small-scale nature and, as such, by their vulnerability too. Improved links and synergy are needed throughout the sector in the Netherlands," says Rutten. "Inholland currently has seven sites where teacher training (primary education) programmes are offered. The teacher training (primary education) programmes in Haarlem and Hoofddorp are operating in the same region. The teacher training (primary education) programme is the only full-time bachelor's programme available at the site in Hoofddorp and the same programme is being offered at Inholland Haarlem, a relatively small-scale, colourful and versatile site situated just 20 kilometres away from Inholland Hoofddorp. By phasing out the high-quality teacher training (primary education) programme at the site in Hoofddorp and relocating it, we are striving to achieve better quality and synergy for the teacher training (primary education) programmes, but based at one lively site in this region."
Although new students will not be able to enrol for the teacher training (primary education) programme with effect from academic year 2012-2013, current students will be able to complete their programmes in Hoofddorp. Throughout this period, the site will also continue to function as a course venue for various post-graduate courses, including the Master's in Special Educational Needs, which is delivered in collaboration with Windesheim.
What consequences will this have for my degree certificate?
I am one of the students enrolled for a programme that will be phased out.
None. All students currently enrolled for these programmes will be able to graduate when they complete their programmes. In the years ahead, we will continue to offer students the same high level of quality. What is more, we guarantee that all degree certificates being issued now are perfectly in order. We will phase out several programmes. No programmes will be shut down immediately. All current students will simply be able to complete their programmes. Inholland University of Applied Sciences takes this duty of care very seriously. Although no new students will be able enrol for these programmes with effect from academic year 2012-2013, current students will simply be able to complete their programmes at the sites where they first started them.
What does a more selective binding study recommendation entail?
With effect from the next academic year, the norm for the binding study recommendation will change from 40 to 45 ECs. In the time ahead, consideration will be given to the question of whether a norm of more than 45 ECs is feasible and worthwhile. Erasmus University has now opted to adopt a norm of 60 ECs.
What is meant by 'discontinuing Backbone 2.0'?
We will revise the major/minor structure and provide competency-based education that focuses more on the target groups applicable for Inholland University of Applied Sciences and offers more support and structure than the current frameworks.
This means:
- fewer choices in the programme, more streamlining of graduation routes
- a clear knowledge component in the curriculum
- more attention for the quality and level of graduation
- more attention for the learning process applicable for the student and teaching by the lecturer
- more attention for teaching methods: fewer projects and more instruction (where applicable)
- programmes (within one CROHO registration) that are offered to students at a number of sites will retain a joint programme to a substantial extent, but there will also be scope for 'local colour'.
The following keywords are important:
- Study success
- WHW compliance (WHW = Higher Education and Research Act)
- Relevant, practice-based components / alignment with professional practice and the employment market
- The importance of a link between education and research
It must not be forgotten that many programmes have worked hard to improve and innovate their curriculums in recent years. The achievements they have made must definitely not be lost.
What will happen to the differentiation minors?
- The separate differentiation minors chosen (15 ECs) will be replaced by more streamlining, that is, specialisations (the combination of two, three or four differentiation minors and the placement/graduation)
- This will result in fewer separate activities in Years 3 and 4 and the achievement of a better bond with fellow students and the programme
What will happen to the majors?
- A broad major is a good way of linking programme content and of providing students with a broad basis.
- It is also a good way of enabling small-scale programmes to work together more efficiently, where possible and worthwhile.
- Where programmes are currently linked in a broad major and there are doubts about the added value that this has, this will be a point for discussion with the Dean of the faculty.
Communication for alumni
If you are an alumnus from Inholland, please read the letter for more specific information.
Letter to Inholland Alumnus
Who can I contact for answers to my questions?
Please e-mail your questions to International@inholland.nl